Horseback Riding at Fort Wilderness

[OurLaughingPlace]

How far is the Horseback Riding (I think it's Circle D Ranch??) from where the boat docks? We are coming from POFQ, so I was thinking bus to MK then boat to Fort Wilderness? Is this correct? I've read that FW is huge- will we be able to walk to the horseback riding place when we get off the boat from MK or will we need to take an internal bus (is there an internal bus?). Thank you for your help.

 

[Wood Nymph]

The stable is located near the main bus depot, down by the main entrance to Fort Wilderness.

If you arrive by boat from MK then just walk to the closest bus stop and take the internal bus to the main bus depot. You'll walk past a playground, Trail's End Restaurant, Pioneer Hall, the General Store, and the small pony stable and corral. The walk is short and the bus ride is just a few minutes long. You will get a chance to see what part of the campground looks like. It is a fun place to explore.

 

[FredQc]

I recommend to pay a cab instead of using WDW transportation system for this. The former will likely bring you to the FW main gate, close to the horseback check-in, in about 5 minutes and no more than $10, as the Port Orleans resort is close to this location. The latter will be free of additional charge, but may take 1 hour or more.

 

[puakinikini]

I agree with the cab being cheap and easy - otherwise you have quite a bit of travel. FW resort has a great internal bus system though, and that part will be easy - but it is too far to walk.

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

Thank you everyone for your replies. Glad I asked as it will be August and if we tried the walk it obviously would have been way too hot. We were thinking of a breakfast before at Poly or GF (if this is the case, we'll take a bus from MK I guess?) but if we come from POFQ, we will get a cab. I had totally forgotten that FW is near POFQ (I remember passing it on many of our bus rides to the parks).
Follow up question: If I do take a cab, do I need to get on the internal bus at all? Thanks again.

 

[2goofycampers]

Thank you everyone for your replies. Glad I asked as it will be August and if we tried the walk it obviously would have been way too hot. We were thinking of a breakfast before at Poly or GF (if this is the case, we'll take a bus from MK I guess?) but if we come from POFQ, we will get a cab. I had totally forgotten that FW is near POFQ (I remember passing it on many of our bus rides to the parks).
Follow up question: If I do take a cab, do I need to get on the internal bus at all? Thanks again.

If you go to the GF or PR just take the monorail to the CR and a boat over to FW. Then the internal bus to the Outpost.

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

If you go to the GF or PR just take the monorail to the CR and a boat over to FW. Then the internal bus to the Outpost.

I had no idea I could do that! Thanks

 

[Wood Nymph]

Follow up question: If I do take a cab, do I need to get on the internal bus at all? Thanks again.

No, you will not have to get on an internal bus if you take a cab. The horse stables are right by the main entrance.

Have you thought about how to get back to your resort after horseback riding?

 

[StirlingSilver83]

This is a little off the topic but can we just visit circle d with going on a trail ride? My son has his own horse and rides and is having a fit about being away from his horse for so long. I thought it might make him feel a little better to visit the stables there. He's only 8 so he can't actually go on a trail ride, but I thought he would feel better to maybe just visit with the horses. Does anyone know the hours of the ranch?

 

[Grumpy92]

Tri-Circle-D Ranch & Farm / Stables - located at the Settlement (the marina). Guests can see a blacksmith affix horseshoes to Cinderella's Ponies and the horses seen on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom Park (also the horses for the Halloween parades). Also see the tribute to horses in Disney movies.
Hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm

A great FW fact sheet is on this link. It includes the transportation, map and activities at FW.
http://allears.net/acc/faq_fw.htm

 

[BlueFairy]

If you ask a CM about Tri Circle D ranch you will be directed to the trail ride barn. It is at the main entrance (Outpost), NOT the marina (Settlement). I find Grumpy92's post confusing.

(ETA: I just found signage in photos that explain my confusion. The Outpost barn is labeled "Tri Circle D Ranch" and the Settlement stables are labeled "Tri Circle D Farm.")

You CAN see (but NOT ride or pet) the horses and blacksmith at the Settlement Farm area. You cannot ride them or touch them. There is also a pony barn where little bitty kids can ride and others can pet ponies. (ETA: Riders must be under 80 lbs and 48 inches).

You CAN ride (but NOT pet or get close to while visiting) the horses at Tri Circle D Ranch(Outpost) if you are old enough. There is a large fence between the bus stop and the barn which keeps visitors at quite a distance from the trail horses.

I do not recommend hanging out at the Ranch while waiting on a trail rider in August. There really is not a good way to stay cool unless you go watch cartoons at resort checkin.

As for the transportation question, I think your fastest bet outside of taxi is using the MK bus station as your transfer point to grab a BUS to FW. That puts you steps away from the trail ride.

However, the boat is a great scenic ride, the lunch or breakfast at Trails End comes highly recommended, and you would walk right by there if you prefer to take your time and explore the working horse barn, the pony area, and the rest of FW on your way from boat to bus.

 

[Ambshley]

Is there a weight limit for horseback riding?

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

Thank you to everyone for your help. I think that we will likely take a cab 'home' to POFQ after riding horses. Might decide to eat at Trail's End for lunch rather than late breakfast at 1900 Park Fare ... that sounds like a good idea.
Thanks everyone

 

[BlueFairy]

Is there a weight limit for horseback riding?

From the FW FAQ on the DIS (and matching our experience in August):
"Trail Rides are offered several times a day. They're guided horseback rides at the Tri-Circle D Livery. The rides cost $46 per person and last approximately 45 minutes. Riders must be at least 9 years old and 48 inches tall and can weigh no more than 250 pounds. Open-toed shoes, flip flops, and strapless shoes are not permitted. Parents must sign a consent form for all children under 18 years old. This stable is located by the main bus depot not far from check-in.


The horses are tame and walk single file during the ride. If you're an experienced rider, this ride may be a bit boring. To make advanced reservations, call (407) WDW-PLAY. To make Same-Day reservations, call (407)824-2832. Guests must pick up tickets on the same date at the Fort Wilderness Kennel at least 30-minutes prior to the start of the ride."

Also, riders are given a mandatory helmet, and must store all personal items in a locker. Call ahead for reservations - the early rides sell out and rides end soon after midday during the hotter months.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Trails End.....breakfast and dinner recommended.... Lunch, not so much..!

 

[RustManFan]

there are 2 stables....

Trail Blaze Corral near the outpost (main gate) is where the horseback riding is.

Tri-Circle-D is near to the boat dock, Settlement Depot and Pioneer Hall. This is where you can see the blacksmith and get pony and carriage rides.

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

there are 2 stables....

Trail Blaze Corral near the outpost (main gate) is where the horseback riding is.

Tri-Circle-D is near to the boat dock, Settlement Depot and Pioneer Hall. This is where you can see the blacksmith and get pony and carriage rides.

Thank you. I assumed there was just the Tri Circle D ranch; didn't realize the horseback riding was at another place. Glad I posted this question as I've learned a lot! Diser's are a valuable source of information - you are all so awesome.

 

[BlueFairy]

there are 2 stables....

Trail Blaze Corral near the outpost (main gate) is where the horseback riding is.

Tri-Circle-D is near to the boat dock, Settlement Depot and Pioneer Hall. This is where you can see the blacksmith and get pony and carriage rides.

Hi!

My photos clearly show a sign above the trail riders that says "Tri Circle D Ranch Trail Rides."


The FW FAQ has a photo labeled "Stable near Pioneer Hall" that I recall being near the ponies and show horses.





I don't mean to nitpick - but it certainly caused my family some confusion in getting to the right spot in August, and the CMs seemed used to needing to clarify the difference. I'm just hoping to help people get to their desired location.

 

[5DisneyNuts]

We went horseback riding this past November and it was a lot of fun. My kids have never been and DH has been once or twice so if was fun to watch. I'm more experienced so I get the comment about it being boring - probably would have been had I not been having fun watching the others.

We took a cab from BWI for around $8 - now here is where things went wrong...It dropped us off at the check in area where the stables are. BUT I thought the stables we were looking for were by Trails End where we were having breakfast. (Breakfast was great BTW). Here I thought I had everything scheduled out and only found out when I went to a CM that we needed to be at the OTHER stable (totally my fault for not paying attention). We hopped on a bus and made it in time but there was a bit of stress there.

Bright side - we saw a lot of FW and it was great. Amazing a place like that is only a boat ride from the 'action'.

Bottom line, cab to FW from BWI about 10-15 minutes on Thanksgiving Day.
Afterwards we took the bus back to the Trails End area and hopped on the boat to the WL>MK (love the boat ride) Monorail back to EPCOT (love the monorail) LOL!